Redundant whilst off sick ????

[Slimpickings]

Hi,
My son is an electrician. Last Friday he had a cruciate repair operation on his knee. Due to the nature of his job, he has been told to expect to take at least two months off to recover. He has heard today that his company have made him redundant. Can they do that while his is off sick. ??
Thanks

[sequenci]

Is it just him that has been made redundant or are there others?

I know just the person that might be able to help you, I'll go find her

[Ell-enn]

Hi there, sorry for delay in replying.

While there is no legal reason why an employer can't make someone redundant while off sick, you would hope that they would take the moral road, but unfortunately many employers don't.

Can you give a bit more background please i.e. length of service, how he was informed of redundancy etc?

[Slimpickings]

Hi,
There were 6 electricians 4 (including my son) were made redundant.

[Ell-enn]

How was he informed about the redundancies? Di he have prior warning before he went off sick that the company were thinking of making people redundant? has he been informed in writing?

[Slimpickings]

He has just finished his apprenticeship, and has been with the company for three years. He was informed that he was one of the unlucky four, by one of his colleagues. He has not spoken to a manager yet, however today his manager has tried to contact him, via his mobile. I have told him not to speak to him yet.

[Ell-enn]

Hi, there is no point in telling you son not to speak to his manager, perhaps he is inviting him to come in to explain the position. When employers decide to make people redundant there are certain legal steps they have to take. In this instance - they are making 4 out of 6 electricians redundant, they would need to have a fair selection process in place to be able to pick the 4 to be made redundant. Any employee at risk has the right to see how they were selected.

Once your son has spoken to his manager - please update me, so I can advise further.